7 Exercises for Reducing Chronic Pain
According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, chronic pain affects approximately 100 million U.S. adults and costs $560 to $635 billion per year in direct medical treatment costs and lost productivity. Talk about a painful pill to swallow.
Exercise is a common treatment for chronic pain. Depending on your current state of health, it may help decrease inflammation, increase mobility, and decrease overall pain levels, no additional medication required.
Try a combination of the cardio, relaxation, stretching, and strength exercises below and you may feel some of your pain ease away over time.
Cardio exercises
Cardiovascular exercise has several physical and mental benefits and can be particularly helpful for people with chronic pain. Cardio can be done any time of day and often requires little or no equipment. Try these two exercises.
Walking
Walking 30 minutes 3 to 5 times per week can help increase strength, endurance, and heart health. If walking is challenging for you, start slow and work your way up to longer walks as you get stronger. If you use a walker or a cane, make sure to take it with you.
Swimming and water aerobics
This is an excellent alternative to walking for people with mobility issues. This low-impact cardiovascular exercise can help keep you moving without putting added stress on your joints and muscles. Swimming can often be therapeutic, and it’s a great way to clear your mind.
Relaxation exercise
Relaxation exercises are important for many people who live with chronic pain. Visualization requires no equipment and can be done anywhere.
Deep breathing and visualization
- Lie
on your back or another comfortable position on the bed or floor. - Place
your hands on your belly and relax your shoulders and feet. - Close
your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose. Exhale through your
mouth, being sure to release all of the air. - Continue
breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, feeling your belly
rise under your fingertips with each breath. - Continue
this pattern and visualize pain leaving your body with every breath. - Repeat
every evening before bed or throughout the day as needed.
Strengthening exercises
Building strength is important for stabilizing the joints and preventing future injuries.
For people living with chronic pain, adequate core strength is especially important. It helps you maintain proper posture and balance and reduces the risk of injuries that could lead to more pain.
Working the muscles of the abdomen, hips, and back can help improve core strength and stability. Try the exercises below.
Dead bug
- Begin
by lying on your back with your arms extended above you, like you’re reaching
for the ceiling. - Lift
your feet into the air and bend your knees to 90 degrees. Engage your core by
relaxing your ribcage and drawing your bellybutton down towards the floor. - Exhale,
then extend your left leg down towards the floor without letting it touch. At
the same time, extend your right arm towards the floor above your head. Hold
this position for 1 second. Return to starting position. - Repeat
on the other side. Do 10 repetitions on each side. - Start
by kneeling on all fours with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under
your hips. - Create
a flat back. Draw your shoulder blades down your back and engage your core by
pulling your bellybutton up towards your spine. Do not let your back arch throughout
this movement. - Extend
one leg straight out behind you. Lower the leg, tapping your toe on the floor,
then lift. Do not lift the leg above hip level. Repeat 10 times, keeping your
core activated throughout the exercise and moving nothing but your leg. - Repeat
on the other side. - You
can increase the intensity of this exercise by kneeling on a small stability
ball or foam roller.
Leg lifts on all fours
Warnings
Always consult your doctor before starting an exercise program. Specific exercises may vary depending on the origin of your chronic pain. It’s always best to consult a physical therapist for a personalized exercise routine. Certain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, may lead to increased pain with exercise, so start slow and monitor your symptoms.
Takeaway
Inactivity leads to stiff muscles, decreased mobility, and decreased strength. These effects can worsen the symptoms of chronic pain. Engaging in a regular exercise routine can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall health.
Natasha is the owner of Fit Mama Santa Barbara and is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist and Wellness Coach. She has been working with clients of all ages and fitness levels for the past ten years in a variety of settings.She is an avid blogger and freelance writer and enjoys spending time at the beach, working out, taking her dog on hikes, and playing with her family.
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